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Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee salmon in Wyoming are landlocked sockeye salmon that complete their entire lifecycle in freshwater. Wyoming maintains both wild and hatchery populations, stocking over 1. 6 million kokanee annually across 11 major waters.

Scientific Name: Oncorhynchus nerka

Also known as landlocked sockeye salmon

Physical Characteristics:

They're distinguished from other trout by having 13-15 anal fin rays (compared to 9-11 for trout), blue backs and silver sides, and lack distinct dark spots on their backs and tail fins.

Wyoming kokanee typically average 12-18 inches and weigh around 1 pound, though in favorable conditions they can reach 20 inches and 3-5 pounds. The current Wyoming state record is 5. 73 pounds from Flaming Gorge.

During spawning, fish turn bright red with hooked jaws.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found in deep, cool freshwater lakes and reservoirs across Wyoming where they are stocked and maintained.

Key Locations

Wyoming stocks kokanee across 11 major waters including Flaming Gorge, Alcova Reservoir, Boulder Lake, Fremont Lake, Fontenelle Reservoir, High Savery Reservoir, Lake Hattie, Lower Green River Lake, New Fork Lake, Rob Roy Reservoir, and Louis Lake. Prime Wyoming locations include Flaming Gorge (premier fishery), Alcova Reservoir, Fremont Lake, and Fontenelle Reservoir.

Specific Spots

Target the thermocline zone typically found at 15-25 feet, though they move to deeper water during summer months to stay in cooler temperatures.

Kokanee Salmon FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Kokanee Salmon in Wyoming?

Top lure setups include dodger and hoochie combinations with 6-inch dodgers followed by short leaders (2-2.5 times dodger length) and pink/white hoochies. Effective colors are pink, orange, chartreuse, and fluorescent patterns.

When is the best time to fish for Kokanee Salmon in Wyoming?

Best fishing occurs from ice-out through September before the spawning closure (September 10-November 30 at Flaming Gorge). Summer fishing requires targeting deeper water as fish move down to stay in cooler temperatures. Spring and fall offer excellent opportunities when fish are more active in shallower water.

How do you catch Kokanee Salmon in Wyoming?

The most effective technique for Wyoming kokanee is trolling at slow speeds between 1.3-1.8 mph using downriggers or leaded line to reach proper depths. Leaded line (letting out 3-4 colors for 20+ foot depths) offers an economical alternative to downriggers.

What do Kokanee Salmon eat?

Kokanee are primarily planktivores, feeding on zooplankton using specialized gill rakers (29-40 in number) that filter microscopic organisms from the water. They also consume small aquatic organisms like freshwater shrimp, insects, and occasionally snails during juvenile stages.

Where do Kokanee Salmon live in Wyoming?

Found in deep, cool freshwater lakes and reservoirs across Wyoming where they are stocked and maintained.

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